BUDGET IMPACT ANALYSIS OF THE REVISED BREAST CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM IN HUNGARY
Author(s)
Csaba Laszlo Dozsa, PhD1, Borbala Cseh, PhD1, Mirjam Szalai, Bsc2, Melanie Toth, MSc2.
1University of Miskolc, Miskolc, Hungary, 2Med-Econ Ltd., Budapest, Hungary.
1University of Miskolc, Miskolc, Hungary, 2Med-Econ Ltd., Budapest, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Hungary (26% of new cases). Numerous international studies confirm that early detection —even before clinical symptoms appear—significantly reduces breast cancer mortality. Currently, the Health Insurance Fund (HIF) does not cover the modern breast diagnostic procedures already available internationally; there is no specific ICPM code established for them. The purpose of the budget impact analysis (BIA) is to estimate the expected funding these examinations.
METHODS: The BIA analyzed the expected budget costs of funding the above procedures over a 6-year period. We modeled two scenarios: (A) maintaining the current biennial screening program for women aged 45-65, and (B) introducing a screening protocol extended to women aged 40-70, with slightly more frequent screenings (model estimated the impact of changes in case numbers, screening coverage, funding)
RESULTS: The integration of modern mammography and biopsy techniques into Hungary’s publicly funded breast screening and diagnostic programs would result in significant improvements in cost-effectiveness. In the first full year, the expected additional budgetary requirements are EUR 16.9 million (“A”) and EUR 19.7 million (“B”), rising to EUR 22.8 million and EUR 26.7 million, respectively, by the end of the sixth year. This increase is due to the rise in the number of screening cases and the gradual introduction of new diagnostic procedures. At the same time, the expected 20% replacement of contrast-enhanced breast MRI exams with contrast-enhanced mammography could result in an average NHIF savings of approximately 99 EUR per exam.
CONCLUSIONS: The systematic integration of modern screening and diagnostic tests into the HIF is expected to result in significant improvements in cost-effectiveness within the Hungarian healthcare system. Earlier detection of breast cancer, more accurate diagnostic testing, greater precision in histological sampling, timely initiation of subsequent surgical interventions would lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness.
METHODS: The BIA analyzed the expected budget costs of funding the above procedures over a 6-year period. We modeled two scenarios: (A) maintaining the current biennial screening program for women aged 45-65, and (B) introducing a screening protocol extended to women aged 40-70, with slightly more frequent screenings (model estimated the impact of changes in case numbers, screening coverage, funding)
RESULTS: The integration of modern mammography and biopsy techniques into Hungary’s publicly funded breast screening and diagnostic programs would result in significant improvements in cost-effectiveness. In the first full year, the expected additional budgetary requirements are EUR 16.9 million (“A”) and EUR 19.7 million (“B”), rising to EUR 22.8 million and EUR 26.7 million, respectively, by the end of the sixth year. This increase is due to the rise in the number of screening cases and the gradual introduction of new diagnostic procedures. At the same time, the expected 20% replacement of contrast-enhanced breast MRI exams with contrast-enhanced mammography could result in an average NHIF savings of approximately 99 EUR per exam.
CONCLUSIONS: The systematic integration of modern screening and diagnostic tests into the HIF is expected to result in significant improvements in cost-effectiveness within the Hungarian healthcare system. Earlier detection of breast cancer, more accurate diagnostic testing, greater precision in histological sampling, timely initiation of subsequent surgical interventions would lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
HTA19
Topic
Health Technology Assessment
Disease
Oncology